3 July 2009

The move to control the sale of painkillers is welcome. (Abuse of Pain Killers Provokes Move for Greater Control, KT, July, 1). It used to be very convenient for people to buy these painkillers off the counter. Unfortunately, it is being widely used by people regardless of their age.

It is ironic that doctors who should advise patients about the ill-effects of such drugs are themselves prescribing them. Instead of doing a detailed check-up, doctors first prescribe these painkillers. And only if the pain persists do they ask for the tests to be done.

3 July 2009

The concept of eliminating the employment ban from the labour market is promising. But some sort of restriction is necessary to main-
tain stability.
Every company must have provision for yearly salary hike and promotions.

The practice of the passport being held by the employer has been criticised. But this can be justified. If the employee holds the passport, the chances of manipulation and committing crimes cannot be ruled out.

I request the authorities to look into the issue of the employment ban. I feel that everyone should have a level playing field in a vast labour market like the UAE.

3 July 2009

While waiting for a cab, it is difficult to know whether a taxi is vacant or engaged. We keep waving at it feverishly only to find that there is a passenger hidden in the back, behind the huge neck rests of the front seats. Will it be too much to ask to provide a lighted indicator which can be automatically switched on — red for full and green for vacant?

This light should be clear, both during the day and at night. The system can be linked to the pay metre, so that it cannot be manipulated by the drivers.

3 July 2009

The news of the family losing three kids in the blink of an eye was heart-rending. My heart wept for the family which lost its three precious children due to negligence.

Since I moved to Dubai, I’am petrified whenever my husband suggests we go out for a drive. As we are new here and are not too familiar with the roads, many cars have tried to ‘bump us off the road’ 
to teach us a lesson for driving slowly.

Is there no place for mistakes in Dubai? Maybe the girls were not crossing at the pedestrian crossing. Does that mean they should be bumped off the road?
The driver should always be in control of his vehicle as he has more responsibility on the road. And, he has brakes to apply in case of an emergency.

May Allah give strength and courage to the family to bear this grave loss.

3 July 2009

The unfortunate accident where three girls lost their lives, depicts the easy going and careless attitude of most pedestrians. Had the maid been a bit vigilant, the tragedy could have been averted.

When accidents involve motorists and pedestrians, it is always the former who are blamed. But many times people cross the roads at undesignated points. Their hasty and careless attitude put their own and others’ lives in peril.

The government is doing everything possible to minimise accidents. But the efforts will prove futile if people, both pedestrians and motorists, do not pay heed to it. If each one of us follows the traffic rules earnestly, such accidents can be minimised.